Soft Purple Makeup Tutorial | Date Night

This date was particularly special because we were celebrating my husband's birthday. We put the kids to bed and my cousin stayed at our house to babysit while they slept.  We snuck out and pretended like we were 20 year olds again! We enjoyed a delicious dinner and after dinner we went upstairs to the lounge and listened to the DJ. I can't remember the last time we went to a "club" with a DJ. But I am so glad we did, it was so much fun listening to 90's hip hop. It was all the songs from when we first started dating.  But, I knew it was time to leave when a couple started making out with each other right next to us ha ha!

Here is the makeup look from the night.  I tried to keep it soft and simple with the focus on the purple eyeshadow.  The products used are listed below.

• NEUTROGENA Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup
•  L'Oréal Infalliable Shadow Butterfly Collection Burst Into Bloom
• Morphe Brushes 35T COLOR TAUPE PALETTE
• theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
• Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
• MAC eyeshadow Omega (fill my brows)
• Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara (used to set brows)
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Mineral Bronzer Park Ave Princess
• theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
• Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush Prim
• Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Maybelline Full & Soft Thick & Healthy Waterproof Mascara Very Black
• Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick Airy Fairy 

 I based my makeup look on my outfit below. I have been obsessed with rompers this summer. They are so comfortable. This pretty floral purple romper is so feminine and I got it on sale for $23 from Lulus.com. I also got the shoes from Lulus.com as well for $26.  

The weather has been so warm lately that it hasn't felt like the fall season has begun. But, this morning it is a chilly and rainy day.  I am looking forward to getting my boots and sweaters out again.  I am looking forward to going apple picking with my family and picking out our pumpkins too. 

Happy Fall Y'all! 

DIY Professional Manicure

I am going to share with you my secrets to a professional looking manicure that you can do at home! Keep reading to see a recap of my tutorial in the above video!

Before I tell you all my secrets, I really want to feature this AMAZING product below! This product makes my nails grow strong and long! 

Nailtiques Formula 2 Nail Protein 

 

Here is what you need:

 

 

This tool has made a huge difference in the professional result! It is the Tweezerman Cuticle Pusher

 

Clean the nails with nail polish remover before you begin and your nail polish will bind to the nails better and making your manicure last longer.

 

*** BE SURE TO WATCH THE TUTORIAL TO LEARN HOW TO PROFESSIONALLY APPLY THE NAIL POLISH ***

 

Finish with a fast drying top coat. 

I love this brand, Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat!

Here is the finished result! 

I hope this helps you achieve a better result the next time you pamper yourself to an at home manicure!

The Last Days of Summer | My Summer Style

OUTFIT #1:
Lace-trim Tank, Target
Distressed denim shorts, I distressed them myself - something similar
Justin Boots Women's Classic Western Fashion Boot/Moka Damiana/Taupe Damiana Wing Tip
**less expensive - similar boots: Coconuts by Matisse Women's Cimmaron Boot Choco/Beige 

OUTFIT #2:
Lace Romper, Target
Belt
Gold shimmer espadrille wedge pumps, Merona brand, Target  (sold out, similar style here) 

 OUTFIT #3:
Hamsa Hand Graphic Tee Black, Target
Distressed denim shorts, I distressed them myself - something similar
Black T-strap sandals with gold chain detail purchased from Target last summer

 OUTFIT #4:
Lace Sleeved Tee, Lord & Taylor
Tiered Crochet-Knit Shorts  (ivory color sold out, similar style here  & here )
Fibi & Clo Gold Cascade sandal 

 OUTFIT #5:
LC Lauren Conrad Kohl's sleeveless blouse, I bought this 2 years ago
BCBGENERATION Lace Shorts  (similar style from Target)
Black T-strap sandals with gold chain detail purchased from Target last summer

 OUTFIT #6:
Embroidery Floral Lace Blouse
Distressed denim shorts, I distressed them myself - something similar
Justin Boots Women's Classic Western Fashion Boot/Moka Damiana/Taupe Damiana Wing Tip
**less expensive - similar boots: Coconuts by Matisse Women's Cimmaron Boot Choco/Beige 

 OUTFIT #7:
Women's Vintage Slub V Tank Merona, Target
Chino Short - Mossimo Supply Co.
Fibi & Clo Gold Cascade sandal 

 OUTFIT #8:
Daisy Crochet Cardigan F21
Floral Romper with crochet trim F21 sold out (similar  )
Fibi & Clo Gold Cascade sandal 

 OUTFIT #9:
ASOS Playsuit in Fluro with Scallop Detail
Fibi & Clo Gold Cascade sandal 

OUTFIT #10 & #11:
White Racer back tank
Embroidered Rosette Skirt  F21
Gold shimmer espadrille wedge pumps, Merona brand, Target  (sold out, similar style here)

ASOS Tank with Rosette detail, bought 2 years ago
Embroidered Rosette Skirt  F21 

Gold shimmer espadrille wedge pumps, Merona brand, Target

OUTFIT #12:
Chevron Maxi Dress
Belt
Fibi & Clo Gold Cascade sandal 

OUTFIT #13:
ASOS Embellished dress with Ruffle Front, bought 2 years ago
Gold shimmer espadrille wedge pumps, Merona brand, Target  (sold out, similar style here)

Summer Glow Makeup Tutorial

I am enjoying the last days of summer. I live in the South, so it will be warmer for the next couple months.  My children are all ready to go back to school. But I am wishing for a couple more weeks of summer fun.

For this glowing summer makeup look, I used long wearing and waterproof products to hold up to the heat and humidity.

The products are listed below:

• Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion SPF 15
• Avalon Organics Vitamin C Revitalizing Eye Creme
• Nivea Olive Oil & Lemon Moisture Rich Lip Care
• MAC Strobe Cream 
• NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator - Gleam
• Revlon Colorstay Makeup Normal/Dry Skin - Medium Beige #240
• NYX Eyebrow gel Waterproof - Brunette
• Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow - Rio De Rose Gold
• Morphe Brushes 35T eyeshadow palette - 10% off using code: JACATTACK
• Christian Dior 5 Couleurs eyeshadow palette - #609 Earth Reflection
• L'Oreal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner Highlighter #230
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - Fair #15
• elf High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
• Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Clear
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Mineral Bronzer Park Ave Princess
• NARS blush - orgasm
• MAC cream colour base - hush
• Shu Uemura eyelash curlers
• Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies - Very Black Waterproof
• Essence Lip Liner - Satin Mauve
• Buxom Full-On Lip Cream - White Russian
• MAC Fix+ 
• Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
• Octavio La Playa Sea Salt Spray for volume & texture

Vanilla-Almond Chia Pudding With Fruit Smoothie Topping

This is a great breakfast alternative if you are in the mood for something sweet and healthy.  Chia seeds are high in fiber and are a great source of protein, omega-3s, and calcium. This will fill you up and give you an energy boost throughout the morning until lunchtime.

 I'm one of those people who used to get grossed out by chia seeds. But this recipe is really great for someone who wants to try them for the first time. 

The texture is very similar to tapioca pudding and the sweetness from the fruit and vanilla make it taste like a dessert for breakfast.

You can drink it from a glass or eat it with a spoon out of a bowl.

VANILLA-ALMOND CHIA PUDDING
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp agave (optional, the fruit adds enough sweetness)
1 cup frozen fruit blended for topping:

Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and 1/2 banana (add a little almond milk to the blender to make it easier to blend)

Combine almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla, and agave (optional) in a tall glass. Be sure to stir mixture every couple minutes for the first 10 mins to make a smoother pudding texture and to avoid clumping at the bottom. Store covered in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving. Top with blended frozen fruit and enjoy! 

Nutritional Information:

  410 calories

12.5g fat

54 carbs

185mg sodium

20g fiber

9g protein

DIY: Distressed Skinny Jeans

I have the hardest time finding the right style of distressed skinny jeans for the right price. 

Something just doesn't make sense that a pair of ripped jeans should be so expensive. 

I mean, I can rip my own jeans for free, right?

 

When I try to shop for affordable styles, they are just not what I am looking for.

 

 So, I googled DIY distressed jeans. 

It turns out it is really simple to achieve a great result without worrying that you are going to mess up a perfectly good pair of jeans.

All you need are scissors, a razor, and tweezers.

I originally bought my skinny jeans from Target for $28.  

Because they are so afforable, I didn't mind cutting them.

  

I think the trick to making your jeans look like you have had them for years is how you make the first cuts.  

 To achieve this, cut slits above and below the knee area.

Make sure that the cuts are rounded because if you cut straight across, it can look boxy.

 The "hardest" part is pulling out the little denim threads to expose the white threading underneath. 

It is tedious with the first few threads but it goes faster as you go along. 

And don't be too careful, it is okay to just grab a clump and pull.

And voilà, you can easily achieve the expensive style of ripped jeans with these easy steps!

Here is my finished product after washing and drying them! 

They are so comfortable and I love to wear them with my white Chucks!